College and Other Internships

Our career internship program is one of the many ways the Philadelphia Zoo demonstrates a commitment to its mission of conservation, education, science and recreation. Through our internships, we provide practical, high-quality experiences that help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Recent college graduates and career changers are encouraged to apply. Please note that all internships are unpaid and the Zoo does not provide housing.

Applications will be reviewed once all the required application materials have been received.

Testimonials

Here's what a few of our recent interns had to say about their experience.

"Thanks for all your encouragement throughout the internship. It always felt like I could do everything to the best of my ability and have lots of input, which has been rare in my previous internships."

"I have learned so much about professional management and how to all the while maintain a fun and encouraging learning environment conducive to developing a wide variety of skills. I can confidently say that my being part of this department since I graduated high school has contributed more than anything to my success in my extracurricular activities."

"I enjoyed learning about the different species and taking care of them. And that's the most important experience for me. Also I enjoyed working with a bunch of dedicated/hard working and upbeat colleagues. Thank you for giving me the opportunity."

"I know that I have learned a lot from all of you, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Philadelphia Zoo. You have all impacted my life in a wonderful way and I hope that I have done a little of the same for you as well. Thank you again for everything."

We are no longer accepting applications for our Summer 2015 internships. However, we are still accepting applications for our Fall and Winter 2015 sessions.

Available Internship Opportunities

Animal Care Internship
If you are a college student majoring in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Environmental Education or a related field or recent graduate in any of those fields and you are interested in a career working with animals, the Philadelphia Zoo can provide you with valuable hands-on experience.

Conservation Research Internship
Participate in research projects focused on better understanding Zoo audiences and how the Zoo can encourage them to participate in conservation and adopt behaviors that benefit animals and wildlife. We seek to understand what makes people do what they do.

Development Internship
Support the Development Department of America’s First Zoo by contributing to the management of upper level membership programs: Friends of the Philadelphia Zoo and ADOPT.

Events Internship
Under the supervision of the Director of Events, the intern will be responsible for assisting in various phases of event production and administration. The internship program is designed to provide opportunities for students to learn about all phases of event production.

Human Resources Programming Intern
The Human Resources Intern plays an integral role in assisting with daily functions of the Human Resources Department for Philadelphia Zoo employees and volunteers. This position will include opportunities to learn general Human Resources and volunteer management responsibilities including recruitment, retention, recognition, benefits, wellness programming, and employee relations.

Online Marketing Internship
Support the Zoo's Marketing and Communications department by assisting with a wide variety of responsibilities including social media, website updates, press events, promotional events and more.

Public Education Internship
The Public Education Internship is designed to give college students practical experience in developing educational programming and events and the opportunity to gain a broad background of the Zoo community and how it operates.

We are no longer accepting applications for our Summer 2015 internships. However, we are still accepting applications for our Fall and Winter 2015 sessions.

Application Instructions

To be considered for an internship, you will need to complete the online application which includes uploading a resume, letter of recommendation and copy of your transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable). If you cannot upload any of your documents, you can either email them to zoointerns@phillyzoo.org or mail them to:

Please refer to the recruitment schedule below. NOTE: Some internships, particularly in administration, have more flexible schedules than others. This is a general guideline and is subject to change. Deadlines may be extended if positions are still available.